Wet. Gray. Cool. That’s London’s weather reputation.
Sounds like Portland, Oregon weather.
Or like the weather in Seattle, Washington. Right?
The truth is, the few days before the opening ceremonies were in the 80s. But just like the Pacific Northwest, hot and sunny days can be challenging to find–even in summer.
I still remember a summer visit to London. I wore a jacket and we actually had to buy umbrellas (they were overpriced!) because it rained on each of our three days in the city.
What London Weather Is Like, On Average, At This Point In The Summer vs. Seattle & Portland
London Average High Late July & Early August: 73 degrees F / Portland is 82 / Seattle is 77)
London Sunset on July 28: 8:54pm / Portland is 8:43pm / Seattle is 8:48pm
London Days With Rain Each Year: 155 / Portland 153 days / Seattle 155 days
Like Oregon & Washington, It’s Been Cool Start To Summer 2012 In London & Most Of England
The blue represents unusually cool during June, 2012. Virtually all of England!
London has its own version of Seattle’s ‘Big Wheel’ — and like Seattle’s, it’s a totally enclosed ride. Makes sense given the weather facts above.
Forecast for the entire run of the London games? Yep, this is it. Found it but long range forecasts like this are notoriously at risk of changing. Accuweather has the updated information in one easy to view place.
And now we know the truth. London weather is a lot like Portland and Seattle in the summer–except cooler!
Of course the nights in London are no cooler than Portland or Seattle (mid 50s), and actually a bit WARMER than the southern Willamette Valley!
Karl–great facts. Thank you!
Mother Nature doesn’t always respect the wishes of the public when it comes to weather during events like the Olympics. I just have to go back 2 years ago when we (in Vancouver, BC) hosted the 2010 winter Olympics. It was the mildest winter on record here- yet with some fake snow and a nice stretch of sunshine, it turned out to be one of the best winter games!
Roland–you guys pulled that one out beautifully. I still remember the pre-games nail biting that went on with that one!
Hello! Are you the owner of the picture of the couple with an umbrella? If so, I wonder if I can borrow the picture to my blog which is about London? 🙂
Amanda–it’s a commons picture–so no copyright. Have at it & thanks for asking!
I have always held the theory personally that my fantasy vacation place, London, must have weather much like Seattle or Portland based on the stories and the BBC. I just now took time to look it up on the web and most agree. Are we right? Rainy and cloudy days with surprises of sunshine?